Metcalfe County 4 H Volunteers Honored – Part I

Submitted by Amy Branstetter

Metcalfe County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development

 

Metcalfe County 4‑H Volunteers continue to demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving youth across the county. This year, their commitment was honored at the area, state, and national levels, highlighting the tremendous impact they make in their community and beyond.

More than 1,500 volunteers and professionals attended the 2026 Kentucky Volunteer Forum, held February 26–28 at the Hyatt Regency and Central Bank Convention Center in Lexington. Among them were over 43 Teen and Adult Metcalfe County 4‑H Volunteers, with twenty-nine individuals earning awards across thirteen categories, one 4‑H Young Entrepreneur and two accreditations: a remarkable achievement for our county.

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is a premier educational and developmental conference designed for 4‑H and Extension volunteers from all program areas. The event features: 220 workshops across twenty-five content tracks, Professional development sessions, Seminars on Wheels Networking opportunities, trade show, and three major volunteer recognition ceremonies.

Volunteers work toward accreditation in areas such as Agriculture, Camping, Cloverbuds, Communications & Expressive Arts, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health, Leadership, Natural Resources, and Science, Engineering & Technology. The forum also recognizes volunteers, community partners, and ten‑year 4‑H members for their service and contributions to Kentucky youth.

 

Metcalfe County Award Recipients

Seven Metcalfe County youth were honored for completing 10 years of participation in Kentucky 4‑H:

• Aubrie Compton
• Oaklee Fugate
• Issac Grindle
• Bree Jolly
• Kassady London
• Caitlyn Parke
• Eli Shaw

Teen Leadership Award Winners

• Aubrie Compton
• Cade Huffman

Aubrie Compton – Achievement Award for Teen Camp Volunteer

Aubrie has spent the past decade growing through the 4‑H camping program first as a camper, then as a Counselor‑in‑Training, Teen Counselor, and now as an adult volunteer. Her leadership, reliability, and compassion have made her an invaluable role model. Her Spanish‑speaking skills have strengthened inclusivity within the program, helping Hispanic youth and families feel welcomed and supported. Aubrie’s strong work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine care for others continue to elevate the Metcalfe County 4‑H community.

Cade Huffman – Community Service Youth Award

Cade was recognized for his leadership of the 4‑H Project Patriot Community Service Project, which supports soldiers serving overseas during the holidays. He has coordinated every aspect of the initiative, collecting food, toiletries, and requested items; organizing donations; and partnering with Military Missions, Inc. Through his efforts, more than 881 care packages valued at over $50,000 have been sent to service members. Cade’s work reflects gratitude, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back to those who serve.

Sam Bell, a 4‑H Young Entrepreneur, proudly represented Metcalfe County at the 4‑H Youth Entrepreneur Trade Show. He displayed and sold his knives, engaging with the public throughout the event.

Sam’s participation gave him the opportunity to strengthen his communication skills, build confidence, and sharpen his ability to market and sell his products. His hard work and professionalism show just how Beyond Ready Metcalfe 4‑H youth are as they prepare for their future.

Builder and Innovative Impact Award

Metcalfe County 21st Century, Sondra Jenning; Metcalfe County Middle School, Lesley London, 4‑H Sewing Club Leaders: Charlotte Atkins, Karen Drake, Becky London, Judy Miller, Barbara Reddick, Candy Shirley, and Kathi Steele received the Bridge Builder and Innovative Impact Award for their outstanding collaboration and leadership.

The Upcycling Fashion Revue was the first event of its kind, blending creativity, sustainability, and student confidence. Students transformed discarded materials into original fashion pieces while gaining hands‑on experience in design, sewing, problem‑solving, and public speaking. The event brought together 4‑H leaders, teachers, volunteers, and teen leaders to support participants. It promoted environmental awareness, self‑expression, leadership, and community engagement.

Shooting Sports Volunteer Award – Cash Fugate Jr.

Cash Fugate, Jr. began as a parent volunteer and has become a cornerstone of the Kentucky 4‑H Shooting Sports Program. He earned his Level II National 4‑H Shooting Sports Certification, allowing him to train and educate volunteers across Kentucky. His dedication, leadership, and commitment have strengthened the program statewide and expanded opportunities for youth.

 

Innovative, Creative, Enthusiastic Award – Tammy Allen & Autumn Shirley

In partnership with Metcalfe County Schools’ Gifted & Talented Program, Extension staff developed 4-H TAG (Talent and Gifted) program to help 4th–8th grade students thrive in their gifted areas. Each grade participated in a full day of instruction incorporating all seven 4‑H Core Content Areas, with emphasis on leadership, public speaking, and practical life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. Students formed grade‑level 4‑H clubs and elected officers to build leadership and collaboration skills. The program’s impact was significant: at the start of the year, students scored at the “Occasionally” level on the Leadership, Speaking, and Listening Rubric. By March, 100% of students showed growth, reaching “Frequently” or “Almost Always.” Teachers benefited from academic alignment, 4‑H reached a new audience, and the community gained confident, capable young leaders.

Kentucky Volunteer Forum Distinguished Service Award – Linda Branstetter

Linda Branstetter has served as a Metcalfe County 4‑H volunteer for more than 50 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication to youth development and community service. Her decades of leadership, mentorship, and commitment continue to shape generations of 4‑H members.

Community Service Award – Linda Branstetter

Linda Branstetter’s leadership of Project Patriot has made a profound impact on her community and deployed military personnel. Motivated by the thought of soldiers spending holidays without support, she transformed a small donation effort into a countywide 4‑H service project. She coordinated the collection and shipment of over 881 care packages, valued at more than $50,000, filled with snacks, toiletries, and heartfelt messages. Her dedication inspired collaboration among local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and youth volunteers. Linda’s efforts brought comfort to soldiers overseas while uniting her community around a shared mission. Through her planning, outreach, and hands‑on involvement, she modeled service leadership and empowered young people to develop skills in organization, communication, and citizenship. Project Patriot stands as a testament to her compassion and commitment.